"Life's either a daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller

Four Months – Poof.

Tonight I’m on fever watch. Miss S had her four-month shots. Though it was just two pokes in her left thigh, she seems to be hotter than the last time.

Naturally, as I wait, I am munching on Miss Q’s gingerbread house that has hardened into a delectable gingery rock.

Before being labeled Gretel, for munching on a house that isn’t mine, I’ll have you knowthat Miss Q’s been offered pieces of the house every day since December 1st. Though the candy entices her, she can’t get her little chompers into the gingerbread. So I’m leaving her the jellybeans and candy cane… two things I don’t care for. Oh, it’s so true: I am Gretel.

Back to my immediate concern: Miss S. She looks so peaceful as she sleeps beside me, but seconds ago she was a hot little hornet, wailing a hoarse wail, after waking for the second time, in as many hours, to be rocked. I love how her head feels like velveteen as she nuzzles it into my cheek. I hate that there’s nothing we can do except give her Tylenol and ride it out.

Yes, we gave her Tylenol. After hearing that it knocks the effectiveness of the vaccination down, my husband and I questioned the Public Health Nurse and were told it was safe and effective after inoculations. So we go with that.

It was my husband’s turn to hold Miss S (we’re alternating) so Miss Q sat on my lap while the shots were administered. I could feel her hold her breath as the needle went into Miss S’s thigh (which isn’t as chubby as it was the last time), but when it was all said and done, Miss Q told me Miss S wasn’t brave because she cried. Funny.

Miss S was a-okay about four minutes after receiving the inoculations. She nursed for thirty seconds and then spent the rest of the 15-minute wait period making moony eyes at her daddy and sister, who were playing in a plastic playhouse.

Her crankiness began in earnest at seven. The bath with her daddy and sister soothed her – it is always a highlight of her evening. But once she came out, it was back to the pained sadness.

My poor bug. Her fair skin probably makes these moments extra tender. Tomorrow she’ll be back to bopping, until then we have lots of snuggles, Tylenol and gingerbread.

Me

I enjoy watching soccer in the rain. Most of our crafts involve glitter, finger paint or both. I am learning to eat my vegetables. And, whether in socks or bare feet, I absolutely hate stepping on Lego. Here I blog about life with my three little girls, husband and dog.